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All Black Shannon Frizell raring to go after ‘boring’ sideline spell
Flanker Shannon Frizell is nearing a return to international rugby after remaining “patient” during a “boring” stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
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Frizell, 29, was a man possessed during a series of headline-grabbing performances during The Rugby Championship which saw the loose forward compared to New Zealand legend Jerome Kaino.
But things took a disappointing turn for Frizell just before the Rugby World Cup. Ahead of the All Blacks’ final warm-up Test against the Springboks, the flanker was struck down with an injury.
The All Blacks have played three tests without Frizell, and they’ve only won one of them – a 71-3 demolition of Namibia in Toulouse last week. But Frizell should be back soon.
Frizell has trained with the All Blacks this week and insists that he may be “available” to play Italy in a decisive Rugby World Cup clash next Friday.
“It’s come a long way, it’s better now. I’ve been running for a few weeks and first week back in training last week,” Frizell told reporters on Friday.
“We’ve had a few days off this week and rest, but a few hard training days as well.
Head-to-Head
Last 3 Meetings
Wins
3
Draws
0
Wins
0
Average Points scored
77
10
First try wins
100%
Home team wins
33%
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“It’s been boring watching on the sidelines, hopefully, next week I’ll be available. It’s always tough watching but I’ve just got to be patient.”
The return of Frizell couldn’t have come at a better time with the All Blacks currently on a bye in Bordeaux ahead of their quasi-knockout match with the Azzurri.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i lined up at blindside flanker when the All Blacks played Franc in the tournament opener, and Luke Jacobson donned the No. 6 jersey against Namibia.
But that’s Frizell’s jersey, it seems. The rampaging backrower was one of the All Blacks’ best during their quest for Rugby Championship glory, and it’s quite likely that he’ll slot straight back into the team.
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“I believe his best rugby is still ahead of him,” assistant coach Jason Ryan said.
“He’s a big six, he’s pretty valuable for our lineout as well.
“We miss any player that’s injured but with the form he’s in it was a bit of a knock for us, but he’s trending in the right direction.
“I’m a big fan of Shannon, he’s got a lot of good tests in front of him for the All Blacks.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Currently, a prop that has been substituted can go back on field if his original replacement gets injured. Can a red carded prop go back if his replacement gets injured, or will it be uncontested scrums?
8 Go to commentsWhat about a free kick from a scrum? Can you call another scrum? Or are they just giving straight penalties now?
27 Go to commentsLoved that comment by Andrew that the ‘water boys’ rule was changed in 2020 just to stymie the Boks!
27 Go to commentsOne of the best the Boks have ever produced. PSDT has an engine that goes non-stop for the full 80 min.
5 Go to commentsThe real deal.
5 Go to commentsIt’s been said that Nienaber will head back to SA too before next World Cup , hoarding all the amazing IP gained in Irish system … get a grip … Irish system needs to Milk the likes of Barrett . First time a leading all Black in his prime has gone to Ireland for any period of time . Enjoy it .
20 Go to comments20 min RC is the only good solution of a bunch of bad solutions. Ridiculous that it has taken this long and caused so many uneven contests. In general these are all very good changes - one is surprised that NH brokers were able to see sense at long last.
8 Go to comments“While a red card will mean a temporary team disadvantage, the replacement system will focus punishment on the offending player instead of disrupting the game itself.” This might work for amateur rugby, where players just want to be on the pitch for as long as possible, but hopefully we’ve got to a point where top level professionals care about the success of their team much more than about whether they personally are on the pitch or not.
8 Go to commentsa lot of focus on the targeting of south africa, but aspects of this are positive. The croc roll; the offside law; and time limits on set pieces are all good. calling for a mark off kick offs is baffling, but I guess we’ll see how it plays out in practice
27 Go to commentsSpeeding the game up is great, but I think we will find that the increase in viewership this year mostly comes down to the competition being more competitive…the fall of the Crusaders has been a boon for viewership. This should be at the heart of super rugby changes - how to make the comp more even
23 Go to commentsThe fact that the press were largely to blame for his taking a break is nothing short of disgusting. He’s made a few mistakes but difficult to name a player of any substance who gives it a full go hasn’t also made mistakes? On behalf of a large number of Bokke fans, bring back Farrell !!!!!
1 Go to commentsPSTD is a fantastic flanker. He could benefit from a bit of self-promotion / flair and he is not quite the danger man that Ardie is. That said, he is my 1st pick to build a backrow around. His speed and hustle made up for Duane who got quite a bit slower at the 8.
5 Go to commentssurprised, disco lights haven't been banned by world rugby board
27 Go to commentsToo many changes. Too often. I’m tired of this WR administration. How do we vote these fockers out? Bill needs to go.
27 Go to commentsDu Toit, 2 time W.Cup winner yet rarely mentioned a “Great “…if one looks back on his stellar carrier perhaps someone will one day elevate him to “Richie” status…a quiet, polite yet devastating loose forward that knew action speaks louder than words..
5 Go to commentsI like the offside rule, but this won't affect my team because all their kicks gets chased and that putts everyone on side. Lekker manne!
27 Go to comments20 minute Red Card is untenable. If you don’t punish the whole team, coaches won’t be sufficently incentivised to pick players with, or coach better tackle technique.
8 Go to commentsI can only think of One time ever a team has opted for a scrum from a free kick… Why the law change I wonder
27 Go to commentsYeah, its not going to work. But we see you World Rugby.
27 Go to commentsLove the reaction after last 2 W.Cups re rule changes…maybe good for more for more of a “ league” type running game( which I personally don’t like) but seems Rassie is definitely in ther heads…
27 Go to comments